“If you don’t live a life in service of a greater good, you’ve gotta at least die a death in service of a greater good, you know?”— John Green

Like air, water, and food, growth is a fundamental human need. We consider something to be developmentally wrong when a young child is not progressing physically at certain stages. Likewise, there can be a stunting of growth when no real progress is being made over a significant period of time. Progress is growth. Growth is progress. The two go together. One cannot exist without the other. If you are moving forward, it means you are seeing real results and are taking action steps toward your goals.

Here are three more signs you’re moving forward in life even if you don’t feel it:

1. When you start believing in a purpose greater than yourself. You no longer get caught up in your own little world. And you’ve stopped complaining about all of life’s problems. Instead you’ve realized that you have a purpose that is bigger than you which propels you to live for something and someone greater than yourself. You know that you life is not just for you. It is an opportunity to achieve something that can be used for the greater good of society. You’ve started to make your mark and it is a good feeling.

2. When you build friendships with people outside of your network. Usually, we develop friendships from people we see everyday at school, at work, at the local coffee shop, and so forth. But in today’s day and age, it is important to connect with people who are outside of your realm of contacts. Getting to know people in different parts of the world or who work in different professions can have a wonderful impact upon your way of life. You can be said to be moving forward when you take the time to learn from others and connect with people outside of your circle of communication.

3. When you have the ability to forgive. Holding grudges, bitterness, and resentment are no longer badges of honor. You don’t aim to get someone back for offending you or take your marbles and run when you can’t have things your way. You realize that is is almost impossible to live a life that is worth anything without forgiveness. On top of that, it’s a horror story to try to move on when past offenses are at the forefront of your mind. Having the attitude of forgiveness and willingly extending it to those who need it has as much to do with moving forward as setting goals and meeting deadlines.